“Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, ‘Take heart, your sins are forgiven’” (Matthew 9:2).
Healing the man’s body was secondary. Jesus’ real purpose was to heal the man’s heart. Our Lord had a hidden agenda others often missed – forgiveness.
Forgiveness is what we all want to receive, but aren’t so quick to give to others.
Robert Frost said, “Forgive me my nonsense, as I also forgive the nonsense of those who think they make sense.” And Thomas Fuller added, “He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself.”
We all have a lot of nonsense that needs to be forgiven. And we have others whom we need to forgive. It’s all part of Step 9 – making amends.
Recovery Step: Ask God to forgive your nonsense, as you forgive those who nonsense against you.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
